DARLAN’S CONTROL

Grey River Argus, 25 November 1942, Page 5

DARLAN’S CONTROL

An Allied Victory MILITARY AND DIPLOMATIC. (Rec. 8.10)' NEW YORK, Nov. 23. “The New York Times” Washington correspondent says: Admiral Darlan’s assumption of control in West Africa and in Dakar constitutes a military and diplomatic victory, and one entailing a substantial increase in the Allied land and sea power in African and American waters. It is pointed out in Army and Navy authorities here that the strategic port of Dakar has fallen into Allied hands as a by-product of the North African offensive, thus placing the only remaining danger point below Gibraltar out of the enemy’s reach. “Other important consequences are: Firstly, the Allied supply line across the South Atlantic has been reduced to sixteen hundred miles, from Dakar t 0 Brazil; secondly, Dakar becomes mow an Allied base of prime importance, because it has a good aerodrome and a harbour offering ample anchorage for ships and seaplanes. Thirdly, a- major menace to the South Atlantic shipping, particularly the traffic between North and South America, has been removed, since Üboats had been using Dakar as a refueling base. Fourthly, numerous French submarines and other naval craft fled to Dakar from Casablanca, and these presumably will come under the control of Admiral Darlan. Furthermore, the battleship Richfieu and three cruisers and also several destroyers have been recently reported to be at Dakar. Fifthly, the move is expected to have a favourable effect in the case of Spain, since there are now lines in an unbroken expanse of Allied territory south oi Spanish Morocco.

PETAIN'S APPEAL

TO NORTH AFRICAN FORCES.

(Rec. 8.40) LONDON, Nov. 23. Marshal Retain, in a broadcast appealed to the French forces ,oi West Africa to remain loyal to him. and he called on them to resist aggression from any quarter. French Naval Losses IN RECENT NORTH AFRICAN OPERATIONS. BATTLESHIP AND SEVEN CRUISERS. (Rec. 9.10) LONDON, Nov. 23. A “Daily Express” correspondent who was with an African naval squadron at the battle of Casablanca says: “This fight resulted in the French losing the battleship Jean Bart; a cruiser of the “Primauguet” class; six light cruisers, two submarines; and a number of small craft. The Americans lost only one troopship sunk, but all aboard were landed. HEAVY FRENCH LOSSES LONDON, Nov. 23. General Eisenhower, in his last report says the French in co-operating with the Allies in Tunisia suffered heavy casualties on November 19. 1459 FRENCH CASUALTIES. IN RESISTING ALLIED ’ OCCUPATION. (Rec. 9.10) LONDON, Nov 23. The Morocco radio reported that French losses in North Africa during the period from November 8 to November 10 were four hundred and ninety men killed, and 969 wounded. AMERICAN CASUALTIES ABOUT 2000.

RUGBY. Nov. 23

The United States War Department estimates United States losses, during the occupation of French North Africa at 360 deaths. Army losses were 350 killed, 900 wounded, 350 missing. The Navy ten killed, 150 wounded and 150 missing. The statement adds that the missing were probably drowned. The major Army losses were l in the capture of Oran and Casablanca. BELGIAN TROOPS JOIN ALLIED FORCES RUGBY, Nov. 23. The Government headquarters of the Belgian Congo at Leopoldville, report that a new contingent of the Belgian Colonial Expeditionary Corps landed at. a West African port. These native soldiers from the heart of Africa were inspected by the G.O.C. British forces, before joining the unit. The convoy, like previous ones, reached the’ destination without incident. DAKAR JOINS DARLAN RUGBY. Nov. 23 The vast territory of French West Africa, including Dakar, has placed itself under the authority of Admiral Darlan.

Broadcasting over the Algiers radio to-night, Admiral Darlan said: The area of French West Africa has placed itself freely at my disposal, thereby showing itself faithful to its oath to the Marshal. The enlightened patriotism of the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief thus joins that, of Generals Giraud, Nogues and Barre. We have taken the right roa.d. Follow me bodly. Long live France 1 Dakar is the most westerly stronghold in French Africa. Many important units of the French Navy were recently reported to be there, including the battleship Richelieu. Gen. Catroux has arrived in London at the- invitation of Gen. de Gaulle, to report to the French National Committee, of which he is a member, on the political, military, and economic situation in the Levant. Gen. Catroux will also participate in the committee’s discussions on the present situation in French North Africa. BRAZZAVILLE ARRESTS. (.Rec. 1.10.) x LONDON, Nov. 24. The “Daily Mail’s” Oran correspondent says: United States authorities have arrested fifty-two suspected Axis agents in Brazzaville. FRENCH WEST INDIES RUGBY, Nov. 23. Mr Cordell Hull announced a defence and economic agreement which will obviate United States occupation of Martinique and other French possessions in the Western Hemisphere, states a Washington despatch. Mr Hull emphasised that the agreement was concluded without, any contact being made between the UnUted DEFENCE OF ITALY R.A.F. RAID HAVOC LONDON. Nov. 23.

The New York “Times” Berne cprrespondent says: The Italian Propaganda Minister (Signor Pavolini), in a broadcast, suggested that the inhabitants of Genoa. Milan and Turin evacuate their homes and seek asylum elsewhere. He admitted the Italian Army’s inability to protect the northern provinces from British air raids. The Fascist Party is evacuating thousands of children, while hotels and vacation resorts have been re-opened to receive evacuees, adds the correspondent. Refugees ar e reported to be pouring southwards jamming the roads. Travellers arriving at Berne declared that three-quarters of the population of Genoa have already fled the city. .